Northumberland Shore Region

With more warm-water ocean beaches than anywhere else in Atlantic Canada, this shore is a beach bum’s paradise. This fantastic climate also lends it¬self well to the local wine industry, which is anchored by Jost Vineyards, the province’s oldest and largest winery. Not surprisingly, fresh local lobster is a food of choice for the region and is available at restaurants throughout.

Abundant in history and culture, the Northumberland Shore has long been a welcoming place for visitors and immigrants alike. Explore the Town of Pictou, known as the “Birthplace of New Scotland.” Step aboard the legendary Ship Hector replica at the Hector Heritage Quay and imagine what it was like for the many Scottish immigrants who voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean. Or, be amazed by displays of strength and agility at the Antigonish Highland Games.

Culinary Experiences

Experience cooking with locally sourced fish, meats, and produce in the hands-on cooking experience, 'Cooking on the Farm' with the Kilted Chef.

Get to know the Northumberland Shore:

Outdoor Adventures

Cape George Hiking Trail & Lighthouse: A Looping trail with 3 trail heads, leading you along the coast through meadows and old-growth forests to cliffs with panoramic views of St. George’s Bay and the lighthouse.

Kayaking at Cape John, Coastal Sprit Expeditions: Get lead through the temperate waters of the Northumberland Strait, the Cape John estuary. The river winds though a wildlife sanctuary.

Rockhounding at Arisaig Provincial Park: Looking for fossils, some dating back 400 million years, in the layered Sedimentary rock along the shore. Take pictures, not fossils.

Discover our Warm Water Beaches

Cape John, a Provincial Park Reserve, sits between the Northumberland Strait and John Bay, an estuary of the River John. Visitors can enjoy access to a warm, saltwater beach and ample opportunity to beachcomb and birdwatch.

Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Park is a mile-long sandy beach with a campground. Hiking trails, birdwatching, canoeing, kayaking and warm saltwater swimming can all be enjoyed along the shore to Munroes Island. Time your visit right and you can wave to the ferries that run between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Melmerby Beach Provincial Park is a popular 2 km (1.25 mi) long beach, complete with boardwalks, boat launch, canteen, and park facilities. Enjoy the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait at this popular sandy beach that is lifeguard supervised in the months of July and August.

Looking for a great beachside getaway on the Northumberland Shore? With so many beautiful sandy beaches, you've got plenty of choices. At Pictou Lodge Beachfront Resort in Braeshore near the town of Pictou, outdoor activities such as ocean swimming, beachcombing, birdwatching, and more are available to visitors.

Pomquet Beach Provincial Park, located east of the town of Antigonish, is a 3-km long supervised (July & August) sandy beach. Stroll the boardwalks and learn about the plant life (including wild blueberries) and the sand dunes on the posted interpretive panels.

Waterside Beach Provincial Park provides visitors with a long sandy beach, boardwalks, salt marsh and open farmland with picnic tables. The beach is seldom crowded, and the water waters of the Northumberland rarely disappoint!

Northumberland Shore Communities

Sunrise Trail

Navigate through the heart of Scottish culture to the original heartbeat of industry in Nova Scotia.
The Sunrise Trail runs from rolling farmland to coastal villages to hard-working towns – with more than a few lobsters and blueberries in between.